Kumble Calls for Consistency in Samson’s Performances Ahead of South Africa T20I Series

With India’s T20I series against South Africa set to begin, former cricketer Anil Kumble shared his thoughts on wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson’s recent performance, stressing the need for greater consistency. As the Men in Blue prepare to take on South Africa in Durban, Kumble’s comments add a critical dimension to the conversation around Samson’s role in the team.

Samson, who debuted in T20Is in 2015 against Zimbabwe, has accumulated 594 runs across 33 matches, maintaining an impressive strike rate of 144.52. Known for his explosive batting, he recently scored a remarkable 111 off just 47 balls against Bangladesh, a performance that highlighted his potential and skill.

In an interview with JioCinema, Kumble acknowledged Samson’s capabilities and noted the impact his recent century could have on his confidence moving forward. “There’s been talk of keeping Sanju Samson in the team long-term, and that century will have certainly given him a significant boost,” Kumble said, adding that Samson has the talent and potential to be a game-changer.

However, Kumble emphasized that Samson needs to bring stability to his performances. “The consistency is something that’s a little missing,” he observed, explaining that a steady role at the top order could help Samson unlock his full potential. Kumble believes that by batting at positions one, two, or three, Samson could maximize his strengths, especially given his adeptness at facing pace and spin.

India’s four-match T20I series against South Africa kicks off on November 8 in Durban, with matches to follow in Port Elizabeth, Centurion, and Johannesburg. As Samson aims to capitalize on his recent form, all eyes will be on how he handles the challenging South African conditions.

India’s T20I Squad:
Suryakumar Yadav, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Jitesh Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ramandeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Avesh Khan, Yash Dayal.

The series will serve as an opportunity for Samson to showcase his consistency and potentially cement his place in India’s long-term plans.

image credit: cricfit.com

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